Baby is 1, my belly hangs and my clothes still don't fit

[starshapes3476]

So for a year now, I've been ordering clothes and returning them because nothing fits. Or rather anything I actually want to wear. I had baby #2 a year ago and I am working out and eating reasonably but toning up everywhere else just not my belly. It really does make me sad. I love Zara clothes but it seems I can't actually fit into anything anymore.
Every time I open my wardrobe I'm sad. Ive told myself I'm going to get everything out and in a box as aspirational clothing until I'm where I want to be.
My question to you mums, will I ever lose the belly and hips? Will I ever be able to wear clothes from places like Zara or even half decent clothes from anywhere?
I'm a size 12 (supposedly) but even then a lot of the clothes don't fit. If I by bigger than it hangs weird so I'm just a weird shape at the moment. Feel like I can't wear anything but tights and leggings.
Help a girl out :(

OP I’m exactly the same. I ‘sprung back’ with DC1 but second child + covid + being a bit older maybe and it’s all gone to pot. I ended up giving in and getting rid of a lot of clothes, especially trousers. I was depressing myself snd was miles off fitting them (always a 10 on the bottom but now buy a 12). I had to relearn what suited me as I’m bigger (although still not big really) and v self conscious of my flabby lower stomach. Buying nice new clothes in my new size and accepting the changes has made me a lot happier than trying to fit into my old stuff and insisting I need to slim down etc. I’m sure you still look great but it’s an adjustment!

I have loose skin from my pregnancies that only surgery will get rid of unfortunately but I have strong stomach muscles underneath. I think think the biggest improvement came from lifting weights/strength training. Perhaps it would be worth researching that. My body has never quite returned to what it was pre pregnancy but I've learned to live with the scars and just aim to be as strong and fit as possible.

I’m the same but have seen success stories where the over hang has gone!!! Second baby is 16 weeks now but going to try diet and exercise to see will that work for me. If not my gp said the over hang can be removed surgically if I wish at a later stage. Not sure I want to go through that but nice to know there is also a potential plan b. I bounced back after my first this baby I’m huge after😂😂😂 I hate my over hang and it’s very obvious and bad looking.

I'm exactly the same and my son is nearly 3! Just cannot get rid of my belly and I've gone a lot wider! I was a size 6-8 before I was pregnant and now I'm 12. It's really hard, I absolutely hate my body now. I've got no advice because I'm in the same boat but I know how you feel and know how hard it is!!!!

It took 3 years with each of my kids for my body to go even roughly back to normal. Some people just take a long time! My belly will never fully recover (loose skin and yeah more fat than on the rest of me) but after years of boxy tops and jeans I'm back to wearing my old clothes and pretty much whatever. Don't chuck your old stuff yet! Also diastasis recti is a problem for a lot of women and core programs like mutu system can help massively

Thanks ladies. So I'm not alone then! It really is depressing. @CarryOnNurse20 you're basically saying exactly how I'm feeling. I have also started thinking about what I need to wear and where I need to shop. I feel like I just don't know anymore!

My babies are 8 and 6. Still got the overhang. It's made of skin. The only way to get rid is surgery. Buy some hold you in knickers and hope for the best.

I know how you feel 😢

My entire body has changed so much since kids . I’m mostly okay with it but I have moments where I feel down .

My rib cage is wider , tummy is lose and hangs , boobs sag, feet a whole size bigger and my hair has thinned a lot .

I lost all the baby weight too. This is what I’m stuck with.

The only good part is my legs are insanely toned and skinny and I have no idea how that happened 😂 but I guess if I have extra belly weight then the weight came off another body part ?

I desperately need a new wardrobe but I’m broke at moment . I’m thinking of changing up my style a bit to feel a bit better. If I’m going to buy all new clothes then I might as well have fun with it and be a bit daring 😊

@EgSk I'm exactly the same. I went into H&M the other day and tried out things I normally wouldn't. Tbh I hated it. Just some things don't suit you I learnt. So I'm still feeling pants. I hope it's not the same for you.

Just came across this thread. God, how I miss my old body before babies. Recenty my 4 year old said to me "mummy you're so fat and your belly is jiggly"😂. I'm a size 12 but can't seem to get rid of the pot belly despite working out and healthy eating. My phsio told me the overhang was quite common once you have more than 1 child.

'physiotherapist'